Several major universities and Catholic schools across the Philippines, including the University of the Philippines (UP), have suspended classes on February 25 to allow students and faculty to commemorate the 39th anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution.
UP declared the date an “alternative learning day,” urging students to engage in activities that honor the historic uprising.
“The University reaffirms its commitment to upholding democratic values, human rights, and the spirit of People Power,” UP said in a statement, emphasizing that the event should remind Filipinos of their duty to defend democracy.
Catholic Schools Follow Suit
Other institutions, such as De La Salle University, University of Santo Tomas, and schools under the EDSA-Ortigas Consortium (La Salle Green Hills, Immaculate Conception Academy, Saint Pedro Poveda College, and Xavier School), have also announced class suspensions.
The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines-NCR (CEAP-NCR) has encouraged its 190 member schools to declare February 25 as a non-working day to help students reflect on the significance of People Power.
Church Leaders Call for Marcos, Duterte Accountability
Beyond class suspensions, a newly formed religious group, the Church Leaders Council for National Transformation, is calling on Filipinos to gather at the People Power Monument on February 25—not just to commemorate the event but to push for the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte and demand accountability from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The group is rallying under three slogans:
- “Marcos Singilin” (Make Marcos Accountable)
- “Duterte Panagutin” (Hold Duterte Responsible)
- “Sara I-Convict” (Convict Sara)
Kabataan Party-List Challenges Schools to Go Beyond Symbolic Acts
While many schools have suspended classes, Kabataan party-list spokesperson Renee Louise Co argues that academic institutions should go further by fostering critical discussions on the revolution’s legacy.
“Students should be free to discuss how past struggles relate to today’s issues—corruption, justice, and impunity,” Co said, adding that empowering the youth to organize and express themselves is crucial for democracy.
With tensions running high, the question remains: Are schools merely honoring history, or is this a silent protest against the current administration?
